Arkansas softball fell behind 3-2 in the top of the second inning Friday afternoon at Bogle Park, as Duke took an early lead in Game 1 of the NCAA Fayetteville Super Regional.
The Razorbacks (45-12) entered the contest having won their regional opener against Bradley earlier this week, advancing to face the Blue Devils (40-16) in front of a packed crowd in Fayetteville. The winner of the best-of-three series will advance to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Duke struck first in the top of the first inning, plating a pair of runs on a two-out double by Kairi Rodriguez. The Razorbacks answered immediately in the bottom half of the frame, with Dakota Kennedy delivering a two-run single to knot the score at 2-2.
Arkansas’ starter, Atalyia Rijo, worked around early trouble but was relieved in the second after allowing a leadoff single to Gabriella Shadek. Saylor Timmerman, a freshman right-hander, entered the circle for her first appearance of the super regional.
The Blue Devils reclaimed the lead shortly after, capitalizing on a wild pitch and a two-run homer by Rodriguez, her second of the inning. Duke’s scoring surge put the Razorbacks in an early hole as the teams moved to the bottom of the second.
Arkansas head coach Courtney Deifel, who is in her second season leading the program, has guided the team to its first super regional since 2021. The Razorbacks are seeking their third consecutive trip to the Women’s College World Series, a first in program history.
The contest at Bogle Park marks the latest NCAA tournament action played in Fayetteville since 2022, when Arkansas hosted a super regional against Alabama. The Razorbacks ultimately advanced to the WCWS that year after sweeping the series in two games.
Friday’s game is the first of a potential three-game series. Game 2 is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, with the third and final game, if necessary, set for Sunday at 1 p.m.
Bogle Park, located on the University of Arkansas campus, has served as the host site for multiple NCAA regional and super regional tournaments since its opening in 2014. The Razorbacks hold a 24-5 record at home this season.
Tickets for remaining games in the super regional are available through the Arkansas Razorbacks athletics website. Reserved seating and general admission options are available.
Live coverage of the game is available via the SEC Network and ESPN+ audio. Fans can also follow along with live stats and scoring updates through the Razorbacks’ official athletics website.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
